Judge Dismisses All Charges Against Michael Johnson In Phylicia Barnes Murder Trial

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BALTIMORE, M.D. — The man accused of killing Monroe teen Phylicia Barnes in Baltimore in 2010 is free.  All charges against Michael Johnson were dismissed Tuesday.

Johnson was facing a third trial after a mistrial and an overturned second-degree murder conviction in Barnes’ death.  The judge cited a lack of evidence in the case.  Phylicia Barnes’ father, Russell Barnes, talked with WCCB Charlotte, blaming the judicial system for Tuesday’s decision.

“It’s the system,” he said.  “The system is terribly flawed and we can tell it’s going against our children.”

The Maryland State Attorney’s Office plans to appeal the judge’s ruling.